Associate-CSSD

Job description

- Receive, sort, and inspect used surgical instruments and medical equipment. - Clean instruments manually and using automated washing equipment. - Prepare and pack instruments, trays, and supplies for sterilization. - Operate sterilization equipment such as steam autoclaves, low-temperature sterilizers, and washer-disinfectors. - Monitor and document sterilization cycles using biological, chemical, and mechanical indicators. - Maintain accurate sterilization and inventory records. - Store sterile items according to infection control standards. - Distribute sterile supplies to operating rooms, wards, and other departments. - Identify damaged or malfunctioning instruments and report them for repair or replacement. - Follow hospital infection prevention, safety, and quality assurance protocols. - Participate in audits, stock management, and departmental training programs. **Roles and Responsibilities** 1. Cleaning and Decontamination - Collect used surgical instruments and medical devices from operating rooms, wards, and clinics. - Sort instruments according to type and contamination level. - Clean instruments manually or using automated washers and ultrasonic cleaners. - Remove blood, tissue, and other contaminants before sterilization. 2. Inspection and Assembly - Inspect instruments for cleanliness, damage, corrosion, or malfunction. - Test instrument functionality where applicable. - Assemble instrument sets and surgical trays according to hospital standards. 3. Sterilization - Operate sterilization equipment such as: - Steam autoclaves - Ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilizers - Low-temperature sterilization systems - Select appropriate sterilization methods based on instrument type. - Monitor sterilization cycles and ensure required parameters are met. 4. Packaging and Labeling - Pack instruments using approved wrapping materials and containers. - Label sterilized items with batch numbers, dates, and expiry information. - Maintain traceability records for sterilized loads. 5. Storage and Distribution - Store sterile supplies under proper conditions. - Maintain stock levels of sterile instruments and consumables. - Distribute sterile packs and equipment to departments as requested. 6. Quality Control and Documentation - Perform biological, chemical, and mechanical monitoring of sterilizers. - Maintain sterilization records and logs. - Ensure compliance with infection control policies and accreditation standards. - Report equipment failures or process deviations. 7. Infection Prevention and Safety - Follow standard precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. - Handle contaminated instruments safely. - Adhere to hospital infection control protocols and occupational safety guidelines.